Towing with a 4Runner or Explorer---experiences, please!

[coolmom42]

Those 2 vehicles are on my short list of desired tow vehicles for a small travel trailer. I'm aware of the tow ratings, limitations, etc. No need to belabor those points. Just wanting someone's personal, practical experiences.

What kind of sway control/WD system do you use?
Specific problems/issues you've had?
Things you really like?
How well does the tranny cooler work?

That sort of thing, and any other helpful details, will be greatly appreciated.

[BarneyS]

I think that Curt hitch is a FRONT mounted hitch not rear. It would be used to carry stuff on the front of the vehicle but cannot be used to tow a trailer unless you like driving in reverse all the time! :E
Before you get your hopes up on getting one, I would call Curt and ask them if it fits on the rear of the 4Runner and can be use as a WD hitch.
I think I would go here and see what is available for that vehicle.

Edit: On looking for both 2014 and 2015 model years, it looks there is no WD hitch available. Evidently, Toyota does not want people to use WD when towing with that vehicle. The hitch they supply is not designed for it and there are no aftermarket hitches available to fit it that I could find.
You might want to take a look at this thread in the Toyota 4Runner forum for some information.
Barney

[coolmom42]

camp-n-family wrote:

coolmom42 wrote:

camp-n-family wrote:
I towed with an '03 V6 and an '04 V8 4Runner. Started with a 10' pup then a 19' 3600lbs hybrid. Finished with a 26' 5k bunkhouse with the V8. They were good reliable tow vehicles that towed well, within their rated capacities. The 26'er was getting a bit long for the short wheelbase 4Runner though.

I don't have experience with the new generation T4R but it has basically the same 4.0l engine as the older model. A little more power now and mated to a tranny with more gears should make it better than what I had.

The only note I can add is that the stock T4R hitch is not rated, or recommended, to be used with a WD hitch. It is simply bolted to the rear cross member which isn't designed for the stress. If you want to use a WD hitch you should get a frame mounted hitch.

The 2016 4Runner brochure refers to the "integrated towing receiver hitch." Wonder if that means it's been changed to frame mounted? All versions are listed with 5000 lb towing capacity.

I think by "integated" they mean integrated into the rear bumper. The factory hitch looks like this. Just a small block that mounts to the crossmember. The crossmember is not designed to handle the twisting stress that a WD hitch can cause. What you need looks like this. Much more substantial and bolts directly to the frame rails which are strong enough for the forces applied to distribute weight.

OK thanks for the info. I can certainly see a huge difference!

So the factory hitch would have to be removed, and this one installed to use a WD system. Makes sense.

[camp-n-family]

coolmom42 wrote:

camp-n-family wrote:
I towed with an '03 V6 and an '04 V8 4Runner. Started with a 10' pup then a 19' 3600lbs hybrid. Finished with a 26' 5k bunkhouse with the V8. They were good reliable tow vehicles that towed well, within their rated capacities. The 26'er was getting a bit long for the short wheelbase 4Runner though.

I don't have experience with the new generation T4R but it has basically the same 4.0l engine as the older model. A little more power now and mated to a tranny with more gears should make it better than what I had.

The only note I can add is that the stock T4R hitch is not rated, or recommended, to be used with a WD hitch. It is simply bolted to the rear cross member which isn't designed for the stress. If you want to use a WD hitch you should get a frame mounted hitch.

The 2016 4Runner brochure refers to the "integrated towing receiver hitch." Wonder if that means it's been changed to frame mounted? All versions are listed with 5000 lb towing capacity.

I think by "integated" they mean integrated into the rear bumper. The factory hitch looks like this. Just a small block that mounts to the crossmember. The crossmember is not designed to handle the twisting stress that a WD hitch can cause. What you need looks like this. Much more substantial and bolts directly to the frame rails which are strong enough for the forces applied to distribute weight.

[Mortimer_Brewst]

I have a 2014 Explorer which I do like. Unfortunately it went back to the dealer for a variety of work while it was under warranty. If you go with the Explorer look the paint over carefully. We had troubles with the paint blistering, which I was told by the dealer was a problem with the 2014's. I also had a bad wheel bearing, a leaking strut and an idler pulley go bad. These last three I believe are more uncommon. I chose to replace the stock tires (Hankooks) due to poor traction in the rain. I highly recommend Michelin LTZs, their replacement. Though it's been a bit of a lemon I do like the Explorer and am not trying to scare anyone away. Obviously be sure to look any vehicle over carefully before you buy.
I haven't towed anything with our Explorer yet, so I am no help there. Keeping the weight under 4000 lbs is smart. I don't think I would want to go much beyond 20 ft in length - these are not long wheel base vehicles. Good luck to the OP on their decision.

[coolmom42]

camp-n-family wrote:
I towed with an '03 V6 and an '04 V8 4Runner. Started with a 10' pup then a 19' 3600lbs hybrid. Finished with a 26' 5k bunkhouse with the V8. They were good reliable tow vehicles that towed well, within their rated capacities. The 26'er was getting a bit long for the short wheelbase 4Runner though.

I don't have experience with the new generation T4R but it has basically the same 4.0l engine as the older model. A little more power now and mated to a tranny with more gears should make it better than what I had.

The only note I can add is that the stock T4R hitch is not rated, or recommended, to be used with a WD hitch. It is simply bolted to the rear cross member which isn't designed for the stress. If you want to use a WD hitch you should get a frame mounted hitch.

The 2016 4Runner brochure refers to the "integrated towing receiver hitch." Wonder if that means it's been changed to frame mounted? All versions are listed with 5000 lb towing capacity.

[bgum]

Lexus hitches fit the 4Runner and are frame mounted so they are used with weight distribution.

[coolmom42]

camp-n-family wrote:
I towed with an '03 V6 and an '04 V8 4Runner. Started with a 10' pup then a 19' 3600lbs hybrid. Finished with a 26' 5k bunkhouse with the V8. They were good reliable tow vehicles that towed well, within their rated capacities. The 26'er was getting a bit long for the short wheelbase 4Runner though.

I don't have experience with the new generation T4R but it has basically the same 4.0l engine as the older model. A little more power now and mated to a tranny with more gears should make it better than what I had.

The only note I can add is that the stock T4R hitch is not rated, or recommended, to be used with a WD hitch. It is simply bolted to the rear cross member which isn't designed for the stress. If you want to use a WD hitch you should get a frame mounted hitch.

Good to know. I will check into this.

[coolmom42]

All I could afford wrote:
Are we talking new explorers and for runners or a particular model year range for each? It will make a big difference in your answer

Good point.

I'm thinking to buy next year, and 3-4 years old at that point. So 2014 or 2015 models.

Also I would only consider the Explorer trim levels with the 3.5L Ecoboost engine.

Newer 4Runners come with a 4.0 L V6, which is very capable of hauling a lightweight trailer.

I plan to stick with a trailer 4500 lb loaded or less, probably less. I travel light.

[TrailerTravele1]

We towed a Lance 1685 (20'9" 3900# net weight) with our 4 Runner. We've since switched to a Tundra, but not because the 4 Runner didn't get the job done. Here's our blog post on the subject -- Towing a Travel Trailer with a 6 Cyl. Toyota 4 Runner.

[downtheroad]

Towed a popup -Fleetwood Sea Pine- with an 01 Explorer...lots of miles and lots of good memories.

Went to a small 21 ft. hardside trailer -Travel Lite- and up graded to an Expedition.

[camp-n-family]

A V8 was an option from 2003 through 2009, same V8 that is in the Land Rover and the Lexus SUV.

*Land Cruiser

[Lwiddis]

"What kind of sway control/WD system do you use?
On a front wheel drive Ford, WD essential and SC nearly required.

Specific problems/issues you've had?
2,000 to 5,000 pounds towing max is very limiting.

Things you really like?
Ford Exlporer looks good. American made.

I'd go for an F150.

[crcr]

I towed with a 2008 V8 4Runner for a few years. I also owned a 2009 with the V6. They are very very solid vehicles and would be more reliable and more capable for towing than an Explorer, IMHO. I know a guy on a 4Runner forum I used to frequent who has 400K+ miles on a 4Runner and still going.

A V8 was an option from 2003 through 2009, same V8 that is in the Land Rover and the Lexus SUV. If you are thinking of used, buy one with the V8. The gas mileage isn't much different from the V6 and it's a much better towing machine, plus has a proper frame hitch from the factory. The V6 OEM hitch design was unimpressive and I wouldn't tow with it. I live in AZ so tranny heat when towing can be an issue. I removed the OEM trans cooler and put a larger aftermarket cooler on.

Good luck!

[bgum]

We towed a 19 ft Airstream with a 4Runner. Pulled just fine. We didn't try to take the world with us. Traveled mostly in the southern US. Also made two trips per year to Gatlinburg. Decent gas mileage. Used friction sway bar. No weight distribution due to factory hitch. Pulled at 60MPH. 4Runner is 2012 model.

[camp-n-family]

I towed with an '03 V6 and an '04 V8 4Runner. Started with a 10' pup then a 19' 3600lbs hybrid. Finished with a 26' 5k bunkhouse with the V8. They were good reliable tow vehicles that towed well, within their rated capacities. The 26'er was getting a bit long for the short wheelbase 4Runner though.

I don't have experience with the new generation T4R but it has basically the same 4.0l engine as the older model. A little more power now and mated to a tranny with more gears should make it better than what I had.

The only note I can add is that the stock T4R hitch is not rated, or recommended, to be used with a WD hitch. It is simply bolted to the rear cross member which isn't designed for the stress. If you want to use a WD hitch you should get a frame mounted hitch.